The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films and television series produced by DC Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is based on characters that appear in American comic books published by DC Comics. The DCEU also includes comic books, short films, novels, and video games. Much like the original DC Universe in comic books, the DCEU was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.
Warner Bros. had plans to bring various DC Comics superheroes together in films since 2002, when Wolfgang Petersen was set to direct a crossover of the Batman and Superman film franchises. After a planned Justice League film was put on hold in 2008 and initial universe plans were scrapped due to the critical and commercial disappointment of the 2011 film Green Lantern, Warner Bros. established this shared universe in 2013.
The DCEU is the twelfth-highest-grossing film franchise of all time, having grossed over $5.8 billion at the global box office. Its highest-grossing film, Aquaman, earned over $1.15 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing DC Comics-based film to date. Films of the franchise have generally received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.
Etymology
Upon announcement of the film series, the universe was commonly called the "DC Cinematic Universe" by fans and the media, in keeping with the naming convention of the already established Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).[1][2][3] Keith Staskiewicz, writing for Entertainment Weekly, jokingly coined the term "DC Extended Universe™" in an article about Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on July 1, 2015.[4][5] This term and the abbreviation DCEU quickly spread among the press and fans thinking of it as the official name of the franchise over the following years.[6][7] According to Vulture writer Abraham Riesman, DC confirmed to him in September 2017 that the term was not used internally and they did not consider it official.[5]
In 2016, as part of DC Films Presents: Dawn of the Justice League, both Geoff Johns and Kevin Smith referred to the franchise's name as being the "Justice League Universe".[8] During the DC Films panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2018, a video banner displayed the words "Welcome to the Worlds of DC", after showcasing some upcoming films. As a result, some media outlets interpreted this as DC officially naming their shared film universe as the "Worlds of DC".[9][10] However, in March 2020, Jim Lee referred to the franchise as the DC Extended Universe at C2E2.[11] The franchise was officially titled DC Extended Universe when the WarnerMedia streaming service HBO Max launched the following May.[12]
In 2013, a reboot of the Superman franchise, Man of Steel, was set to lay the groundwork for future DC films.[23] The film contained references to other characters in the DC Universe, so if it were a success, it could launch a shared universe.[24][25] At San Diego Comic-Con in July, one month after Man of Steel's release, Warner Bros. announced that Superman and Batman would meet for the first time in a cinematic format in a sequel to Man of Steel, establishing the shared universe.[26][27] A slate of ten DC films was announced in 2014, with initial plans of those universe-driven films spanning through 2020.[28] Warner Bros. president of creative development Greg Silverman explained DC's approach to their cinematic universe in 2015: "We ... take these beloved characters and put them in the hands of master filmmakers and make sure they all coordinate with each other".[29]
Geoff Johns has served in various positions in the DC Films production studio, and for the DCEU.
In May 2016, following criticism of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Warner Bros. established a DC Films division with DC's chief creative officerGeoff Johns and Warner Bros. executive vice president Jon Berg as its heads to oversee production and form a cohesive creative direction for the franchise.[30][31] DC Films would not be fully autonomous, as Johns reported to DC president Diane Nelson and Berg reported to Silverman.[30]Charles Roven was also moved from his day-by-day producer role on future DC films, which he had served since 2005's Batman Begins, to an administrative executive producer role.[32] In December, Silverman was ousted from his role in Warner Bros., and Toby Emmerich was promoted to president and chief content officer in his place.[33] By January 2017, Johns and Berg reported to Emmerich.[34] Following the financial and critical success of Wonder Woman in June, Johns stated that moving forward the films would focus on the heart, humor, hope, heroics, and optimism of the characters.[35] As a result of Justice League's underperformance at the box office, Berg left his position by January 2018 and became a production partner with Roy Lee.[36][37] DC also sought to deemphasize the shared nature of their films, with Diane Nelson stating: "Our intention, certainly, moving forward is using the continuity to help make sure nothing is diverging in a way that doesn't make sense, but there's no insistence upon an overall storyline or interconnectivity in that universe... Moving forward, you'll see the DC movie universe being a universe, but one that comes from the heart of the filmmaker who's creating them".[38]
In January 2018, Walter Hamada was appointed the President of DC Films and co-runner of the DCEU, replacing Berg.[37] The following month, Chantal Nong was named Vice President of DC Films.[39] The pair were hired to oversee the franchise with Johns, as the key production team managers.[37] However, Johns stepped down from his executive roles at DC that June, and created a production company, Mad Ghost Productions, to have a greater hands-on role in various DC media as a writer and producer.[40] After the financial success of Aquaman, Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara said the upcoming slate of DC films would be focused on individual character stories instead of interconnectivity.[41] In 2021, WarnerMedia reversed course and announced that future films would again be interconnected.[42][43]
In April 2022, following the merger of Discovery Inc. with WarnerMedia, Warner Bros. Discovery announced to overhaul the functions of DC Entertainment and DC Films productions. President and CEO of the newly merged company, David Zaslav, and its executives believe that DC "lacks coherent creative and brand strategy" and is looking to hire a czar of creativity and strategy, comparable to Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige. Discovery intends to revitalize certain top-tier DC characters that they believe had been neglected in previous years, such as Superman. Walter Hamada is believed to be included in Zaslav's business plan, pending a renegotiation deal at the end of his contractual obligations to DC Films in 2023.[44] The following month, the future of DC Films was revealed to prioritize theatrical films over streaming releases, as a part of plans overseen by Zaslav.[45] In June, executive restructuring of the studios began with Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy being named as the co-chairmen of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, taking over from Toby Emmerich who will step down from his position. The pair were also announced to temporarily oversee DC Films and Warner Animation Group output until he does so, with Hamada reporting directly to them.[46] In August, at the second quarter earnings call presentation, Zaslav confirmed the studio's overall 10-year plan to focus on theatrical films. The CEO stated: "We’re not going to launch a movie until it’s ready. ...We’re not going to launch a movie to make a quarter and we’re not going to put a movie out unless we believe in it". He additionally confirmed plans for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman to be the primary focus of the franchise.[47]
Television
In May 2020, WarnerMedia launched the streaming service HBO Max. In September, HBO Max ordered Peacemaker, the DCEU's first television series and a spin-off of the film The Suicide Squad.[48] After this announcement, Walter Hamada stated that DC Films was interested in producing spin-off series for every film in the DCEU slate for HBO Max.[49] In February 2021, HBO Max and executive producer J. J. Abrams began developing multiple series based on the individual team members of the Justice League Dark, with a plan to eventually culminate these projects in a crossover and team-up miniseries.[50]
Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and co-story writer/director of Justice League
Kal-El / Clark Kent, who arrived on Earth years ago as an infant from Krypton, struggles with why he was sent to Earth. Raised by his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, Clark adopts the persona "Superman", and learns if his abilities are meant to maintain peace or conquer the world.[55]
Gotham City-based vigilante Batman travels to Metropolis to preemptively combat Superman, fearing what would happen if the latter is kept unchecked, while another threat endangers humankind.[70]
By June 2013, Warner Bros. were fast-tracking a sequel to Man of Steel, with Snyder and Goyer returning as director and writer, respectively.[71] Nolan was involved in an advisory role as executive producer.[72] The sequel included Batman in a main role, and serves as a reboot of the Batman film series.[26][27] Cavill, Adams, Lane, and Fishburne reprised their roles.[73]Ben Affleck was cast as Bruce Wayne / Batman,[74] followed by Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, marking the character's first appearance in a live-action theatrical film.[75]Chris Terrio was hired to rewrite Goyer's script.[76] Originally scheduled to be released in July 2015, the release date was changed to May 6, 2016, to give the filmmakers "time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story".[77] Other cast members Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons joined the cast as Lex Luthor and Alfred Pennyworth, respectively.[78] The film's title was revealed to be Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[79] Initial filming occurred on October 19, 2013, at East Los Angeles College,[80] before full principal photography began in May 2014 and concluded that December.[81][82] Production took place in Detroit, Illinois, New Mexico, Africa and the South Pacific.[81][83] After another date change, the film was released in North America on March 25, 2016.[84]
After the death of Superman, a secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions and rescue the world from a powerful threat, in exchange for clemency.[91]
Suicide Squad is set after the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[100] Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman and Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash made appearances in the film.[100] In a mid-credits scene, Waller meets Wayne in a restaurant and hands him a dossier containing information on future members of the Justice League.[101]
Patty Jenkins, the director of Wonder Woman and co-writer/director of Wonder Woman 1984
Diana of Themyscira, an Amazon warrior who also is the demigoddess daughter of the god Zeus, uses her talents and abilities in order to help humanity during World War I.
Motivated by Superman's death at the hands of Doomsday, Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team of metahumans to stop the threat of Steppenwolf, who is in search of three Mother Boxes scattered across Earth.[112]
By June 2013, Goyer was set to write Justice League as part of a three-film deal he signed for Man of Steel.[71] Snyder was confirmed to return as director in April 2014,[113] and the film was announced in October as Justice League Part One.[28] In 2016, Chris Terrio was revealed to have written the script,[114] and the title was changed to simply Justice League by June.[115] Affleck, Cavill, Gadot, Momoa, Miller, Fisher, Irons, Lane, Adams, Eisenberg, Nielsen, Wright, and Morton reprised their respective roles from previous films.[116][117][118]Ciarán Hinds provides the voice and performance capture for Steppenwolf.[119] Filming took place from April to October 2016 at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in England, as well as locations around London and in Iceland.[120][121] In May 2017, Snyder stepped down from his duties on the film due to his daughter's death; Joss Whedon filled his position on post-production, with additional scenes being written and directed by him.[122] Though Whedon was not officially credited for his role as post-production director, he completed enough additional work for a screenwriting credit on the film.[123]Justice League was released worldwide on November 17, 2017.[120]
The divisive reaction to the theatrical cut of Justice League, with Zack Snyder leaving directorial duties and the final cut of the film in the hands of Joss Whedon, led to a fan-driven campaign for a "Snyder Cut" of the film. Arguments were made that Snyder's vision would be more cohesive to the previous films.[128] In March 2019, Snyder confirmed his original cut does exist, and stated that it was up to Warner Bros. to release it.[129] Warner Bros. remained silent regarding the matter, though Variety reported in November that Warner Bros. was unlikely to release Snyder's version of Justice League, with one studio insider describing it as "a pipe dream".[130]
Snyder announced in May 2020 that HBO Max would be releasing his cut of Justice League on their service on March 18, 2021.[131] Initially conceived as a four-part miniseries, it was ultimately released as a four-hour film,[132] twice the length of the theatrical version.[133] Snyder stated this version is intended to not affect the future of the DCEU continuity, but that it takes place in a slightly alternate universe.[134] The new cut cost an estimated $70 million to complete, primarily for visual effects and additional photography.[135] Affleck, Miller, Fisher, Heard, Manganiello, and Lane returned to their roles for the additional photography,[136][137] while Jared Leto as the Joker and Harry Lennix as General Swanwick / Martian Manhunter were added to the film.[138][139] Work on the cut was completed in January 2021.[140] Characters in the film who had their scenes cut from the theatrical version include Darkseid (portrayed by Ray Porter),[141]DeSaad (portrayed by Peter Guinness),[142]Nuidis Vulko (portrayed by Willem Dafoe),[143]Iris West (portrayed by Kiersey Clemons),[144]Ryan Choi (portrayed by Zheng Kai),[145] several Green Lanterns, as well as Granny Goodness.[146]
James Wan, the co-story writer/director of Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Arthur Curry, a half-Atlantean assistant lighthouse keeper, sets out to lead the underwater kingdom of Atlantis against his half-brother, King Orm, who seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms against the surface world.
Aquaman is set after the events of Justice League, though critics have noticed numerous inconsistencies between the two theatrically released films.[161] Furthermore, Momoa claimed that the film takes place after "Zack's cut", with the ending of that version of the film directly tying into the events of Aquaman.[162]
David F. Sandberg, the director of Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods
By speaking "Shazam", Billy Batson, a 14-year-old foster child, can turn into an adult superhero, courtesy of an ancient wizard. He attempts to master his powers and defeat the evil forces controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.[163]
Shazam! is set after the events of Justice League.[185] Superman makes a cameo appearance at the end of the film, but his face is not shown as Henry Cavill was unable to reprise the role due to scheduling conflicts.[186] The villain Mister Mind is introduced in a mid-credits scene.[187]
By November 2016, a film based on the female superhero team Birds of Prey was in development, with Christina Hodson signed on as screenwriter.[191] By April 2018, Warner Bros. selected Cathy Yan as director, with Margot Robbie, Sue Kroll, and Bryan Unkless serving as producers. Robbie reprised her role as Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad.[192] The film is the first theatrical R-rated installment in the franchise and has a smaller budget than most of the other films.[193] In addition to Robbie's starring role, the team roster also includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, and Ella Jay Basco as Huntress, Black Canary, Renee Montoya, and Cassandra Cain, respectively.[194][195][196]Black Mask serves as the film's primary antagonist with Ewan McGregor portraying the character, and Chris Messina portraying Victor Zsasz.[197][198][199] The full title of the film was revealed as Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) by Robbie.[200] Principal photography commenced in January 2019 in Los Angeles and lasted until April.[201][202][203]Birds of Prey held its world premiere in London on January 29, 2020, and was released in North America on February 7.[204]
Diana Prince comes into conflict with the Soviet Union during the Cold War in the 1980s and finds two formidable foes in the form of the Cheetah and Maxwell Lord.[205]
The Dreamstone - a gem associated with the characters Doctor Destiny and Dream of the Endless in the comics - plays a significant role in the film.[221][222] In a mid-credits scene, Lynda Carter, who starred as Wonder Woman in the character's 1970s television series, was introduced as Asteria, a legendary Amazon warrior who possessed ancient golden armor that Gadot's Wonder Woman wore in the film.[223]
Waller sends a new Task Force X, consisting of both old and new members, on a mission to destroy a Nazi-era laboratory containing experiments.
In March 2016, a Suicide Squad sequel was announced to be in development, with Ayer returning as director.[224]Adam Cozad was hired to write the script by March 2017.[225] By July, a new story treatment was written by Zak Penn.[226] In September, Gavin O'Connor was hired as director and writer after Ayer dropped out.[227][228] O'Connor completed the script with David Bar Katz and Todd Stashwick by September 2018.[229][230] The next month, O'Connor left the project as Warner Bros. believed the script was too similar to Birds of Prey.[231] In 2019, the film was re-titled The Suicide Squad, with James Gunn directing, from a new script he wrote.[232] Gunn chose the project over various other films Warner Bros. had in development, including a Superman film.[233] In March, Idris Elba joined the cast. He was initially hired to replace Smith as Deadshot, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, but was later decided that Elba would play a new character so Smith could return in the future.[234][235]
Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the powers of the Egyptian gods and imprisoned, Black Adam is freed from his tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.[260]
A sequel to Shazam! entered development in April 2019, with Henry Gayden returning as writer.[247] David F. Sandberg and Peter Safran were later confirmed to return as director and producer, respectively, and Chris Morgan was hired as an additional screenwriter.[276][277] Zachary Levi will reprise his role as the titular superhero, as will most of the adult and child cast in the Shazam Family.[278][279] At DC FanDome in August 2020, the film's title was announced as Shazam! Fury of the Gods.[280] Between February and April 2021, Rachel Zegler was cast in an undisclosed key role,[249]Helen Mirren was cast as the villain Hespera,[281] and Lucy Liu joined the cast as Kalypso.[282] Filming began in May 2021 in Atlanta and concluded that August.[283][284]Shazam! Fury of the Gods is scheduled to be released on March 17, 2023.[246]
In November 2018, a film centered on the Jaime Reyes incarnation of Blue Beetle was in development, with a script written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer.[255] By February 2021, Angel Manuel Soto signed on as director,[254] and Xolo Maridueña was officially cast as the titular character in August.[256] John Rickard will serve as producer.[253] In March 2022, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carrillo, Damián Alcázar, and Belissa Escobedo joined the cast in supporting roles as members of the Reyes family: Uncle Rudy, Nana, Rocio, Alberto, and Milagro,[306] and both Raoul Max Trujillo and Susan Sarandon were cast as the film's villains, Carapax the Indestructible Man and Victoria Kord, respectively.[307][308] Additionally, Bruna Marquezine will play Jaime's girlfriend named Penny, while Harvey Guillén is cast in an unspecified supporting role.[309] Principal photography commenced in May in Atlanta, and wrapped on July 18 in Puerto Rico.[310][311] Initially developed as an HBO Max exclusive film,[312]Blue Beetle was later changed to a theatrical release, scheduled for August 18, 2023.[253]
In January 2019, Warner Bros. confirmed development of an Aquaman sequel, with intentions for James Wan to return as director.[313] In addition to starring, Jason Momoa has a larger creative role in the sequel; together with his writing partner Thomas Pa'a Sibbett,[314] he pitched their idea for the sequel to Warner Bros. and co-wrote the first story treatment.[315][316][317] In February, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick signed on as screenwriter; he completed the script alongside Wan.[259][315] Producer Peter Safran has stated that the film will explore the other Seven Kingdoms of Atlantis.[318] Patrick Wilson and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will reprise their roles as Orm Marius / Ocean Master and David Kane / Black Manta, respectively.[319][320] The title was announced as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.[321] Filming occurred from June 2021 to January 2022 in the United Kingdom, Hawaii and Los Angeles.[322][323]Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is scheduled to be released on December 25, 2023.[246]
Ben Affleck reprises his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman from previous DCEU films.
Future
In August 2022, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery David Zaslav stated that the company has a 10-year plan of upcoming films, similar in approach to that of Marvel Studios with the MCU. The primary focus of the franchise going forward would be centered around Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.[47] Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films additionally have a variety of DC films in various stages of development.
Other potential films
The Amazons : In December 2019, Patty Jenkins announced a Wonder Woman spin-off film, focusing on the Amazon race of Themyscira. Jenkins is attached as executive producer,[324] with the story for the project planned, though she is not sure when production will begin.[325][326] Jenkins later stated that she and Geoff Johns had written the story, with a story arc that is set in between the first two Wonder Woman films and the third film. She further said she will not direct the film, but serve as producer.[327]
Black Canary : In August 2021, a film centered around Dinah Lance / Black Canary was announced to be in development with Jurnee Smollett reprising her role as the character from Birds of Prey. Misha Green will write the script and Sue Kroll will produce. The project is being developed as an HBO Max exclusive film.[328] By September, Green stated that she had read the comic books for inspiration in preparation for her script.[329] In May 2022, Green confirmed that work on the script was ongoing.[330] The following month Smollett said that developments on the project continued, while expressing her excitement for the film. The actress also added that she and Green often play the Injustice video games in preparation for the film, explaining that the story will explore more of the character's backstory, and feature prominent use of martial arts to show that the Black Canary is one of the most experienced fighters in the DCEU.[331]
Booster Gold : In September 2015, a film centered around Booster Gold and Blue Beetle was announced to be in development with producer Greg Berlanti. The film's tone was described as a buddy cop film with connections to Justice League.[332] By May 2016, Zack Stentz was hired to script the Booster Gold film. Berlanti expressed interest in directing,[333] but in September, Berlanti said that Booster Gold has "no connective tissue" to other films.[334] The script had been completed by March 2018. According to Berlanti, production would begin once Warner Bros. decides where to place it within the slate of films.[335] Stentz reaffirmed the following year that the film would begin production once the film is greenlit by Warner Bros. executives.[336]
Deadshot : In December 2016, a film centered around Floyd Lawton / Deadshot was announced to be in development.[337] By September 2018, Will Smith confirmed he would reprise his role from Suicide Squad and that the story is in development,[338] but in February, Smith left the role due to scheduling conflicts,[339] and by March Idris Elba was cast to replace him in The Suicide Squad.[234] By April, the character was written out of the team-up film in order to allow Smith an opportunity to return in a future film.[235] The production on the film was delayed as of April 2022 in favor of other projects due to the production payroll that Smith had requested. Warner Bros. confirmed that this had been done prior to the incident at the 94th Academy Awards which caused other films on the actor's production schedule to also be set back.[340]
Gotham City Sirens : A film based on the Gotham City Sirens, a team consisting of Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy, was announced to be in development in December 2016. Ayer signed on as director and co-producer from a script by Geneva Robertson-Dworet. Robbie will reprise her role from Suicide Squad and take the role of an executive producer.[337] Leto was confirmed to reprise his role as the Joker.[341] Despite a busy production schedule on other projects,[342] Ayer continued to work on the film, meeting with Gotham City Sirens creator Paul Dini in August 2018.[343][344] The film's development was postponed in favor of Birds of Prey.[345] In January 2020, Ayer confirmed that the project was still on hold,[346] and Robbie stated that she chose to film Birds of Prey first to introduce audiences to lesser-known characters. She said that she is still "pushing" forward with Gotham City Sirens, and hopes to explore Quinn's relationships with Poison Ivy and Catwoman.[347][348]
Green Lantern Corps : A film based on the Green Lantern Corps was announced to be in development in October 2014.[28][349] In January 2017, David S. Goyer and Justin Rhodes were hired to co-write the screenplay, based on a story by Goyer and Geoff Johns, with Goyer also serving as producer. Warner Bros. described the film as "Lethal Weapon in space".[350][351] In 2018, Goyer reaffirmed that despite the franchise's leadership shakeup the film was still in active development.[352] By June, Geoff Johns was hired to do a rewrite on the script, in addition to his role as producer. Johns stated that the script draws inspiration from his work on the New 52 Green Lantern comics.[40]Green Lantern Corps was scheduled for release on July 24, 2020,[353] but has been delayed.[354] In July 2019, Christopher McQuarrie said that he had sent a written proposal for the film to Warner Bros. over a year prior, which had ties to the Man of Steel sequel, but he had moved on to other projects due to what he perceived as no movement on further developing the film.[355] By November, Johns was expected to deliver his script to Warner Bros. by the end of the year.[257] During the development of Zack Snyder's Justice League, the Green Lantern character John Stewart was removed from the film due to the studio already having other plans for him.[356]
Lobo : In September 2009, Warner Bros. announced that a film centered around Lobo was in development. Guy Ritchie and Brad Peyton were attached to direct at different times,[357][358] while Dwayne Johnson was originally intended to star.[261][359] After various iterations, in 2016 Jason Fuchs was hired as screenwriter.[360] By February 2018, Warner Bros. was in discussions with Michael Bay to direct. Fuchs began rewriting the script at Bay's request so the budget could be considerably lowered.[361]
The Metal Men : In April 2007, a film centered around the Metal Men entered development with Eric Champnella as screenwriter; Lauren Shuler Donner and Jack Leslie also joined as producers.[362] In May 2012, Barry Sonnenfeld entered negotiations with Warner Bros. to direct the film[363] and was hired the next month.[364] DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson reiterated in 2013 the company's intentions to make the film.[365] The development was in limbo for several years until October 2021, when Sonnenfeld revealed that the film's story was still being written.[366]
Nightwing : By February 2017, a film centered around Dick Grayson / Nightwing was in development, with Chris McKay and Bill Dubuque signed on as director and screenwriter, respectively.[367] Although the script was nearing its final draft,[368] McKay stated in June 2021 that the project had been delayed due to DC having "other priorities", but also reaffirmed his intentions to still make the film. He also said that the film could possibly be reworked to remove its connections to the DCEU continuity.[369]
Plastic Man : By December 2018, a Plastic Man film was in development with Amanda Idoko hired to write the script. The plot is described as a comedy-actionadventure.[370] In December 2020, Cat Vasko was hired to do a rewrite of Idoko's screenplay, with the project reworked to be a female-centered movie.[371]
Static Shock : At DC FanDome held in August 2020, a live-action film centered around Static was revealed to be in development.[372] In October, Michael B. Jordan joined the production team as a producer alongside Reginald Hudlin.[373] Walter Hamada described the film as a project that could be developed for HBO Max, as an exclusive film.[49] By March 2021, Randy McKinnon was hired as screenwriter.[374]
Supergirl : In August 2018, a film centered on Kara Zor-El / Supergirl, was announced to be in development with Oren Uziel penning the script.[375][376] Warner Bros. is seeking a female director.[377] In February 2021, Sasha Calle was officially cast in the role, with the character making a first appearance in The Flash.[304] In August 2022, following the cancellation of Batgirl, it was reported that further development on Supergirl was no longer likely to continue.[378]
Wonder Woman 3 : After principal photography on Wonder Woman 1984 was completed, director and co-writer Patty Jenkins stated that the plot for a third Wonder Woman film had been written. She revealed that the story arc for Wonder Woman had been planned over three films, with the third taking place in the present.[379][380] Jenkins and Gadot plan to work on other projects before proceeding with the sequel.[325][326] In 2020, Jenkins said she has stories written for two more Wonder Woman movies completed.[381] Two days after Wonder Woman 1984 was released, a third film was officially greenlit by Warner Bros. Pictures. Jenkins will return as director, with a script she wrote, while Gadot will reprise her role as the titular heroine.[382] In October 2021, Gadot stated that Lynda Carter will reprise her role as Asteria from the previous film.[383][384] Filming is expected to begin in mid-2023.[385]
Zatanna : By November 2018, Warner Bros. was considering developing a film based on Zatanna.[386] In March 2021, an AT&T investor presentation revealed that a Zatanna project was in development,[387] and Emerald Fennell was hired as screenwriter later that month. The film will be produced by J. J. Abrams.[388]
Task Force X member Christopher Smith / Peacemaker is sent on a black-ops mission to target "butterflies", individuals possessed by parasitic, insect-like creatures invading the human race.[390]
Peacemaker is set five months after the events of The Suicide Squad.[398] Viola Davis,[399] Jason Momoa, and Ezra Miller reprise their respective roles as Amanda Waller, Arthur Curry / Aquaman, and Barry Allen / Flash from previous DCEU fims, with Superman and Wonder Woman also appearing portrayed by stand-ins. The series also mentions other heroes such as Batman and Green Arrow. In addition to the references of other DCEU heroes and villains, the series also contains various references to the wider DC universe, including confirmation that Bat-Mite, Doll Man, Matter-Eater Lad and Kite Man exist in the DCEU.[400][401][402][403] Additionally, a newspaper headline detailing the Intergang can be briefly seen, ahead of their debut in Black Adam.[404]
Other series in development
Untitled Amanda Waller series: By May 2022, a series centering around Amanda Waller entered in development, with Viola Davis reprising the role and serving as executive producer. Christal Henry will write the series and executive produce alongside James Gunn and Peter Safran. The series is intended to follow the character after the events of Peacemaker.[405]
Justice League Dark : In January 2013, Guillermo del Toro began developing a film centered on the Justice League Dark and submitted a script in November the next year,[406][407] but was no longer attached by June 2015.[408] In August 2016, Doug Liman joined to direct with the title Dark Universe, alongside Scott Rudin producing and Michael Gilio rewriting the script.[409] Liman left the following May due to scheduling conflicts.[410] In mid-2017, it was retitled Justice League Dark with Gerard Johnstone polishing the script.[208][411] By April 2020, the project was being redeveloped as a series for HBO Max, with J. J. Abrams serving as an executive producer.[412]Justice League Dark is intended to premiere after the individual team members are introduced in their own series, with the studios involved inspired to a similar approach as Marvel Television's Netflix series individually premiering before crossing over in The Defenders (2017).[50]
Untitled spin-off series to The Suicide Squad: In January 2021, James Gunn said he had ideas for additional spin-offs of The Suicide Squad,[413] and more DC projects from Gunn were planned by that August.[414] In January 2022, Gunn confirmed he was developing a second spin-off series to The Suicide Squad for HBO Max, which will not be as comedic as Peacemaker.[415] Later in June, Gunn said that he will write and direct the unnamed series, and confirmed that characters from Peacemaker will feature into the plot. Contrary to initial reports, the filmmaker stated that the show is separate from the Amanda Waller project. In the same interview Gunn announced that he is concurrently working on multiple television shows, and other DC related projects.[416] Gunn further continued to talk about developments of the future of his DC projects, stating that the studios involved have "big plans".[417]
Untitled Val-Zod series: By July 2021, a limited series centered around Val-Zod was in development for HBO Max. Michael B. Jordan is set to produce the series and also potentially star, while Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters will serve as writers.[418][419] Jordan had previously pitched a feature film centered around an African-American Superman, only to place development on hold due to his busy production schedule.[257]
Over the years, many projects that were at one point supposed to be part of the DCEU have either been moved into a different continuity, outright canceled, or unreleased:
Batgirl : In March 2017, Joss Whedon was hired to write, direct and produce a film centered around Barbara Gordon / Batgirl.[420] Whedon was to begin production on the film in 2018,[421] but stepped down in February.[422] In April, after impressing Warner Bros. with her work on Birds of Prey, Christina Hodson was hired as screenwriter for Batgirl.[423] By November 2019, Hodson was expected to write the script once she had completed work on The Flash.[257] In May 2021, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were announced as the film's co-directors, with Kristin Burr serving as producer.[424] In July, Leslie Grace was cast in the titular role;[425] she was chosen from a short-list of actresses that included Isabela Merced, Zoey Deutch and Haley Lu Richardson.[426] In October, Jacob Scipio joined the cast in an undisclosed role,[427] and Brendan Fraser was cast as Firefly.[428]Ivory Aquino was cast as Alysia Yeoh, the first major transgender character in a DC film.[429] Principal photography began in Glasgow in November 2021, and wrapped by the end of March 2022.[430][431]Batgirl was scheduled to be released sometime in 2022 on HBO Max,[432] though it was reportedly being reconsidered for theatrical release by Warner Bros. Discovery by April.[433] That August, Warner Bros. Discovery cancelled the plans to release the film on HBO Max or theatrically following poor test screenings. The film was deemed not "big" enough for the big screen yet too expensive to be released on HBO Max. Despite the project's cancellation, the studio still hoped to work with Arbi, Fallah and Grace on other DC projects.[434]
The Batman : In July 2015, Ben Affleck was in negotiations to direct, produce, star in, and co-write (with Geoff Johns) a Batman film.[435] Affleck was confirmed as the film's director at the San Diego Comic-Con 2016.[436] Affleck later stated in 2017 that he was unsure if he would direct the film,[437] and stepped down as director later in January.[438] In February, Matt Reeves was hired to direct and co-produce the film.[439] Under Reeves, the film shifted focus towards a younger, more inexperienced iteration of the character while drawing more from the comics' roots in noir and detective fiction, and Affleck eventually left the project altogether, being replaced by Robert Pattinson as Batman and allowing the film to drop its connections to the DCEU, establishing it in a new standalone shared universe.[440] In December 2020, Joe Manganiello, who was set to reprise his role as Deathstroke before Reeves took over, explained that the plot was tied to Justice League and featured Deathstroke attempting to ruin Batman's life as revenge for the death of his son.[441] Batgirl and the Riddler would have also appeared in the film.[442] Shortly following the release of Zack Snyder's Justice League, which restored the intended post-credits scene featuring Lex Luthor revealing Batman's secret identity as Bruce Wayne to Deathstroke to set up the plot of Affleck's iteration of The Batman, a campaign began on social media seeking for the revival of the project.[443][444]
Cyborg : In April 2014, Ray Fisher was cast as Victor Stone / Cyborg,[87] and Warner Bros. announced a film centered around the character was in development the following October.[28] Joe Morton was set to reprise his role as Dr. Silas Stone.[445] Fisher stated the film would focus specifically on Cyborg,[446] and that the cast and production team would be diverse.[447] Morton commented that there were discussions to include scenes in Cyborg, that were cut during post-production on the theatrical release of Justice League that involved Cyborg. Fisher expressed his desire for Zack Snyder to direct the film,[448] and pitched plot elements including the Phantom Limbs as the primary antagonists of the film.[449]Cyborg was scheduled to be released on April 3, 2020,[353] but was later delayed.[354] In April 2020, Fisher confirmed that development on the project continued;[450] though by 2021, amidst a dispute between the actor and Warner Bros. Pictures regarding an investigation in the reshoot process on Justice League, he stated that he would not play the role in any film that has Hamada's involvement.[451][452]DC Films responded by stating that they will not recast the role.[453] Fisher later commented that he would only reprise the role if Zack Snyder's canceled Justice League sequel was to be revived.[454] In March, Fisher said that he is not opposed to reprising the role in future DCEU films, with the actor preferring Cyborg be directed by Snyder or Rick Famuyiwa.[455]
Deathstroke : In October 2017, a film centered around Slade Wilson / Deathstroke was announced to be in development with Gareth Evans attached as screenwriter and director from a story by Joe Manganiello,[456] who was also set to reprise his role from Justice League.[457] The project was greenlit after Evans impressed executives with his pitch.[457] By April 2020, Evans was no longer in negotiations to work on the project, stating that he had never been contractually involved with its development. He described the story as a "dark" and "unforgiving" origin story, similar to Korean noir films.[458][459][460] In December, after reprising the role in Zack Snyder's Justice League, Manganiello stated he and Snyder were working on projects featuring Deathstroke.[461] In March 2021, after numerous delays, Manganiello confirmed that Deathstroke had been canceled because Warner Bros. did not consider it a priority.[456] Manganiello said that he wrote a "human and grounded" revenge backstory for the character, while preparing for the role in Justice League and Ben Affleck's The Batman.[462] He had spent six months writing the script outline for the film that was pitched to the studio, with details including the character's time in the U.S. Military, his connection to the League of Shadows,[462] as well as the characters Talia al Ghul, William Wintergreen, his wife Adeline Kane, and their children.[463] The story included the events that would lead to the character's role in Affleck's film where he exacts revenge on Batman, who he blames for the death of his son.[461] Manganiello noted that a revival was possible.[456] Shortly after the release of Snyder's Cut of Justice League, a social media campaign was started as an attempt to persuade Warner Bros. to continue with the project.[464] During Justice Con in April, Manganiello stated that the first project featuring the character that he is hoping gets greenlit is an origin story reworked as a series and released exclusively on HBO Max.[465]
Green Lantern : Originally, the 2011 Green Lantern film was planned to be the first film in a shared DC cinematic universe, but its planned sequels were canceled in September 2011[466] and the film was eventually left out of continuity due to its critical and financial disappointment.[467] Despite this, Sinestro actor Mark Strong incorrectly referred to it as "part of the DCEU" in February 2019.[468] The character is scheduled to be rebooted for the franchise continuity in Green Lantern Corps which is currently in development. Later, Zack Snyder considered having Ryan Reynolds return to play an "additional lantern...to fill out the corps" in his 2021 director's cut of Justice League.[469][470] The film would eventually be retroactively established to be set on the world of Earth-12 in the Arrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths".[471]
Harley Quinn vs. The Joker : In July 2017, a film featuring Harley Quinn and the Joker was announced to be in development with the working title of "Harley Quinn vs. the Joker", scheduled to begin production after The Suicide Squad.[472][473]Glenn Ficarra and John Requa were hired as co-writers, co-directors, and co-producers.[474] In September 2018, Ficarra and Requa said that the script was completed and submitted to Warner Bros., and that production would commence after Birds of Prey. The story would have explored the toxic relationship of the characters, combining the tones of Ficarra and Requa's previous works Bad Santa and This Is Us.[475] The film was canceled by February 2019.[476]
Untitled John Constantine series: In February 2021, a series focusing on John Constantine entered development at HBO Max. The series, featuring a young Constantine in contemporary London,[477] was planned to be horror-oriented and would tie in with Justice League Dark. Guy Bolton was hired to write the pilot, while J. J. Abrams would serve as executive producer.[50] The creatives involved are determined to have a diverse cast pool, while looking to the non-white actors for the lead role.[478] By August 2022, the series was still in development,[479][480] while also tentatively scheduled to begin production in early-2023.[481] Although four episodes of the series were written, the project was canceled in September in favor of developing of a sequel to the film Constantine (2005), starring Keanu Reeves as the titular character. Despite its cancellation, Variety noted that it was likely to be revived on a network other than HBO Max.[477]
Untitled Joker film: In June 2018, a film featuring the Joker entered development. Jared Leto would have served as an executive producer in addition to reprising his role as the Joker, as well as being involved with hiring the film's production crew. The film was intended to "pave the way" for all other Suicide Squad-related projects.[482] By February 2019, the film had been canceled, and a Joker film unrelated to the DCEU was released later that year.[476]
Justice League sequels: In October 2014, Justice League Part Two was announced, with Snyder returning as director.[28] Deborah Snyder later revealed that Justice League would not be one film split in two.[483] The film was scheduled to be released on June 14, 2019,[99] but production was pushed back to accommodate The Batman.[484] Joss Whedon, the director of Justice League's reshoots, would eventually rework one of the film's post-credit scenes in order to tease the Injustice League as villains of a possible sequel.[485] In October 2017, J. K. Simmons stated that work on the script was in-progress,[486] while in December, Variety reported that there were "no immediate plans" for Snyder to return as director.[36] Before his departure from DC Films, Snyder originally intended for the sequel to focus on the League's battle against the Injustice League, which would have consisted of Lex Luthor, Doctor Poison, Captain Cold, the Riddler, Ocean Master and Black Manta. The conflict would have resulted in the deaths of Wonder Woman and Aquaman. The film would have ended with Darkseid invading Earth and killing a pregnant Lois Lane, which would have made Superman susceptible to the Anti-Life Equation.[487] By 2019, Warner Bros. had prioritized standalone films over the project, although Patty Jenkins noted she would be open to directing the next Justice League film.[41][318][379]Zack Snyder's Justice League was considered "a storytelling cul-de-sac", with no sequels planned.[49] Snyder said that he did not "have any expectation that there would be more movies than this. If that happened, that would be amazing — but that bridge is far away".[488] He later added that Warner Bros. had "no appetite or interest" to have him direct more films.[489] In January 2021, Ray Fisher said that he would only be willing to reprise his role as Cyborg in a future DCEU film if a Justice League sequel were to be made by Snyder.[454] The following month, Snyder said that he would return to direct the sequel if he was offered the chance.[490] In March, storyboards created for Snyder's version of the sequel were displayed at the "Dreamscapes of Zack Snyder's Justice League" exhibit in Dallas.[487] The storyboards confirmed the existence of a second sequel, tentatively titled Justice League 2A, which was planned to be released in 2020. 2A would have been set five years after the previous film and would have seen the League use time travel to reverse Darkseid's invasion.[487] Batman would have sacrificed his life while defending Lois Lane from Darkseid in the past, eventually creating an alternate timeline where Darkseid's invasion never occurred. Twenty years in the future, the son of Clark and Lois would have become the second Batman after Bruce.[491] In August, producer Charles Roven confirmed the studio's continued interest in a Justice League sequel, but adding that it was still "a number of years away".[492]
Krypton : In October 2014, the Man of Steel writer David S. Goyer was announced to developing a television series focused on the planet Krypton.[493] During the development, Goyer revealed that the series would use unused concepts for the planet that were created for Man of Steel.[494] In early marketing materials for the series and the first teaser that debuted at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, the Superman logo designed for the DCEU films was used to represent the House of El, implying that the series would have been a direct prequel to Man of Steel.[495][496] During the casting process, the production crew sought an actor who resembled a young Henry Cavill to portray Seg-El, Superman's grandfather,[497] while Goyer stated that the series was planned to take place 200 years prior to the events of Man of Steel.[498] Ultimately, all connections to Man of Steel were dropped by the series' release in March 2018.[496] Executive producer Cameron Welsh later described the series as "adjacent" to both the DCEU and the Arrowverse.[499]
Madame X : In June 2021, a series focusing on Madame Xanadu entered development at HBO Max. Angela Robinson was planned to write and executive produce the series along with J.J. Abrams. The series was planned to tie in with Justice League Dark.[500] The series was still in development in August 2022, but was canceled the next month. It was noted by Variety that the series would likely be picked up by another network.[480][477]
Man of Steel sequel: By October 2014, a sequel to Man of Steel was in development.[28] Amy Adams stated that work had begun on the screenplay,[501] while Cavill revealed that he was preparing to reprise the role.[502]Matthew Vaughn had discussions with the studio to direct the film in 2017,[503] but after two years, the talks with Warner Bros. ended in March, and he was no longer involved with development of the film. In discussing his work on the project he revealed that it was influenced by a previous trilogy pitch from 2008 that he had co-written with Mark Millar, with Vaughn describing the project as "a massive, uplifting, hopeful thing".[504] Shortly after in July, Christopher McQuarrie said that he and Cavill had pitched a sequel idea to Warner Bros. over a year prior, with the plot having ties to Green Lantern Corps, but he moved on to other projects due to what he perceived as no movement on the films.[355] Later, Michael B. Jordan had pitched his own take on the character, but was not ready to commit due to an already busy schedule.[257] By November, Warner Bros. had entered negotiations with J. J. Abrams about taking control of the project.[257] In December, Cavill said the future of Superman will be more faithful to the comic book source material.[505] After confirming that though his casting in The Witcher had previously interfered with his availability for the role, he also said that the same would not be the case with the show's second season.[506] In January 2020, James Gunn said that he chose directing The Suicide Squad over the next Superman film.[507] The Man of Steel sequel was no longer in active development by May, but Cavill entered negotiations to reprise the role in a different film.[508] Zack Snyder later stated that plans for the plot had included Brainiac and the Kryptonians who were banished to the Phantom Zone at the end of Man of Steel.[509] Cavill reiterated his interest in continuing the role as of November 2021.[510]
New Gods : In March 2018, Ava DuVernay signed on to direct a film centered around the New Gods. Initially with a script written by Kario Salem, Tom King was later brought to co-write the film with DuVernay. Darkseid was planned to be the main antagonist of the film, and the Female Furies were set to appear.[511] The fourth draft of the script was ongoing in 2020.[512] In December, DuVernay said that the COVID-19 pandemic had given her and King time to dig into "the mind and musings of Jack Kirby".[513] King stated that he and DuVernay wanted to honor Kirby's "genius" and described working on the film as "a joy". King said that DuVernay was focused on the emotional core of the characters and the complex relationships that Kirby wrote for them.[514]New Gods was canceled in April 2021, though Warner Bros. stated that it may be revived in the future. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project faced difficulties due to Darkseid's role in Zack Snyder's Justice League, and Warner Bros. wanted time to pass before the character appeared again.[43] Later, DuVernay revealed that Mister Miracle, Big Barda, Granny Goodness, and Highfather would have appeared in the film.[515]
Untitled Black Manta film: In February 2019, Warner Bros. announced a horror-themed spin-off from Aquaman focusing on the villainous Trench kingdom. Peter Safran and James Wan were set to produce, with Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald writing the script. The film was planned to have a lower production budget than other DCEU films.[516] The following month, Safran stated that he expected the film to be released before Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.[318] In April 2021, the project was canceled, though Warner Bros. said that it may be revived in the future.[43] In October, Wan revealed that the initially announced name of "The Trench" was a working title, to misdirect the audience that the movie was secretly a Black Manta film.[517]
The Wonder Twins: In February 2022, a film centered around Zan and Jayne / the Wonder Twins entered development for HBO Max. Adam Sztykiel was slated to make his directorial debut and write the screenplay, with Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey serving as producers.[518] By that April, KJ Apa and Isabel May were cast in the lead roles of Zan and Jayna, respectively.[519] Principal photography was scheduled to commence in Atlanta, Georgia in July,[519][45] but the project was canceled in May following WarnerMedia's merge with Discovery Inc. and the creation of Warner Bros. Discovery. The CEO of the newly formed conglomerate, David Zaslav, felt that the film's estimated $75 million-plus budget would not bolster enough of a return as a straight-to-streaming release. Additionally, Zaslav has a directive mandate that DC Films will first focus on theatrical releases, with internal criticism also stating that the project had been conceived in a style deemed "too niche".[520][45]
In October 2014, Geoff Johns explained that DC's approach to their films and television series would be different from Marvel Studios' cinematic universe, stating that their film universe and TV universes would be kept separate within a multiverse to allow "everyone to make the best possible product, to tell the best story, to do the best world".[521] This divide lasted until January 2020, when the DCEU was retroactively established to have connections to The CW's Arrowversecontinuity via an expansion of the multiverse concept, during Part 4 of the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover. Ezra Miller reprised their role as Barry Allen in a cameo appearance alongside Grant Gustin's version of the same character. During their conversation, Miller's Barry Allen gets the idea to call himself "The Flash" from his alternate self and mentions "Victor".[522] Despite their cameo, the episode did not confirm the designated Earth for the DCEU characters.[523][524]
Miller's cameo opened up more possibilities for crossovers between DC films and the Arrowverse. President of DC Films, Walter Hamada, revealed that prior to "Crisis on Infinite Earths", DC had been structured in a way that the television division had to clear the use of characters with the film division. Now, the company could "really lean into this idea of [the multiverse] and acknowledge the fact there can be a Flash on TV and one in the movies, and you don't have to pick one or the other, and they both exist in this multiverse".[525] Arrowverse creator and executive producer Greg Berlanti agreed, feeling that "moving forward, there's more opportunity to do more things like this",[526] and was open to more film characters appearing in the Arrowverse.[525]
In August 2020, Hamada announced plans to develop a multiverse inspired by the comics. In doing so, the studio also stated that all past, present, and future projects are a part of the same unified multiverse.[440][303][49]Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash (2023), further explained that all previous adaptations of DC Comics are a part of the multiverse: "...all the cinematic iterations that we've seen before are valid...all that you've seen exists, and everything that you will see exists, in the same unified multiverse".[303][49]
Timeline
In the DCEU, the events of the films rarely explicitly make their exact years known.[527]Man of Steel takes place after the events of Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984, which are set in 1918 and 1984, respectively. The events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice occur 18 months after the events of Man of Steel, which follows the consequences and the emergence of aliens and metahumans such as Superman.[85] The film concludes with the death of Superman, which is emphasized in the following ensemble films, Suicide Squad and Justice League, taking place approximately one and two years later, respectively.[528]
Jason Momoa confirmed that Aquaman takes place right after Zack Snyder's Justice League.[162]Aquaman is followed by Shazam!, which occurs during the Christmas season of 2018.[529] Afterwards, the events of Birds of Prey are set in 2020,[188] followed by The Suicide Squad, confirmed to take place in 2021.[530]Peacemaker is set five months after the events of The Suicide Squad.
The miniseries began on October 14, 2021, and subsequent episodes were released on a weekly basis.[648] It also aired as a feature-length film on Cartoon Network on May 14, 2022;[649] the movie version was later released on DVD on June 21.[650][651] It was originally to air as part of the ACME Night block.
^Snyder was the director during principal photography, but was replaced by Joss Whedon during post-production. Snyder retained directorial credit for the finished film,[51] though reports have indicated Whedon reshot a majority of the film. Consequently, Snyder released a director's cut in 2021.[52]
^ abThis release debuted concurrently in theaters and on HBO Max.[53][54]
^In home release, RatPac-Dune Entertainment was replaced with Access Entertainment (RatPac's current owner), following the rape and sexual harassment allegations against RatPac-Dune's CEO, Brett Ratner.[559]
